At Dayforce Discover, Dayforce’s premier annual workforce strategy event, OnActuate participated in a panel on how public sector organizations can modernize HCM and payroll while staying true to a people-first mission. The session, People-first, tech-driven: Best practices for public sector transformation, brought together subject-matter experts with hands-on experience driving change across government and public services.
Together, the panelists shared practical lessons from real-world public sector transformations – from modernizing payroll to implementing technology that supports entire communities. Below are the top four takeaways from the session for public sector leaders planning or navigating their own Human Capital Management (HCM) transformation journeys.
The Dayforce Discover 2025 panel featured insights from (L-R): Thomas Noorkah, Director of Financial Systems, City of Columbus; Marnie Larson, VP of HCM Practice, OnActuate; Simran Kalsi-Deol, Partner, EY; and Gianluca Cairo, VP, Operations & Strategy, Dayforce.
1. People-First Isn’t a Slogan – It’s a Strategy
Successful transformation starts by designing technology around real human needs. In the public sector, that means ensuring systems are intuitive for employees, managers, and HR teams who rely on them every day. When technology simplifies work, increases trust in data, and supports better decision-making, adoption follows naturally.
The most effective programs treat technology as an enabler – not the end goal. Clear communication about why change is happening and how it benefits employees is just as important as the software itself.
Key takeaway: If users don’t see themselves in the solution, even the best technology will fall short.
2. Legacy Systems Create Inevitable Turning Points
Many public sector organizations reach modernization not by choice, but by necessity. Decades-old systems introduce risk, inefficiency, and frustration – often becoming barriers to serving employees and constituents effectively.
Modern HCM platforms provide a trusted digital backbone that replaces fragmented, error-prone processes with consistency, transparency, and resilience. Modernization becomes less about replacing software and more about creating a foundation for long-term service delivery.
Key takeaway: Waiting too long increases risk; proactive modernization creates momentum and confidence.
3. Change Management Is the Make-or-Break Factor
Large-scale transformation requires more than project plans and technical expertise. Stakeholder alignment, executive sponsorship, and realistic resourcing are critical from day one. Equally important is acknowledging the realities of long-tenured workforces and addressing change fatigue head-on.
Effective programs invest early in engagement, training, and communication – often partnering with dedicated change management experts to reinforce adoption at every level of the organization.
Key takeaway: Transformation slows down when change management is an afterthought.
4. Go-Live Is the Starting Line, Not the Finish
Digital transformation doesn’t end when a system is deployed. Leading organizations adopt a mindset of continuous modernization – using SaaS platforms to evolve alongside workforce expectations, regulatory changes, and community needs.
Ongoing optimization, regular process reviews, and openness to new capabilities ensure technology continues to deliver value long after implementation.
Key takeaway: The day improvement stops is the day progress stalls.
Advice for Leaders Starting Their Journey
For public sector leaders embarking on HCM transformation, the guidance is clear:
- Start with process review and efficiency improvements before implementation
- Align vision, culture, and technology from the outset
- Engage employees early and often
- Be bold, but grounded in purpose
Technology can accelerate change – but only when people are united behind a shared strategy.
Moving Forward
Public sector transformation is complex, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a people-first mindset, strong change management, and the right technology partner, organizations can modernize with confidence and create lasting impact for their workforce and the communities they serve.
OnActuate is an experienced Dayforce and Microsoft implementation partner helping public sector organizations modernize HCM and payroll with a focus on adoption, outcomes, and long-term value. Schedule your free consultation today.
